Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck

Release Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Brash Books
Author Website: http://CraigFaustusBuck.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nob Brown left his police job for the insecurity of freelance writing, found himself on the wrong end of a bad divorce, and came to the realization that his best friend/sometimes lover, Gloria Lopes, had her own definition of monogamy. In order to cheer him up, she lets him borrow the police file covering the homicide of Lana Strain, the smokey-voiced lead singer of Nob's teenage dreams. He accepted the file and began following leads in order to wring a story or two out of the anniversary and pay off his ex-wife.

What began as routine examination of the facts led deeper than anyone, including Nob, expected. Shady underworld characters, reformed rockers and more did their best to lead Nob astray from the truth. As he pushed to follow the trail, Nob found the truth was more disturbing than anything he could imagine. Could he figure out who really killed Lana? Will it cost him everything in the process?

Review:
Once again, late night cruising of NetGalley's genre tabs lead me to find this book among the Mystery & Thriller section. Not a book with a 'G' rating, this book included several adult situations, adult language and plenty of violence. Somehow everything clicked, creating an action-packed thrill ride on the darker side of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. I think part of the reason the story worked so well was based on the fact that the book was told by Nob in a first person point-of-view. This gave a front row seat to all of his thoughts, emotions and inner conflicts as the story unfolded.

So many eccentric characters filled out the cast and each had a corner market on a particular kind of crazy. Nob Brown first appeared as the typical down-on-his-luck guy who spent his days fighting to make ends meet by writing tabloid articles and running from the clutches of his best friend, a hard-as-nails detective with an overactive libido. Throw in several characters who partied like the rock stars they were decades earlier, and you've got a heady mix of ego, paranoia and self-loathing that made it difficult to uncover the truth about the victim, Lana Strain. Even her family members featured a certain level of anxiety. Both of her daughters were polar opposites. One was obsessed with maintaining her mother's image in a very distinct and different way. The other daughter chose to ignore the past and focused on the present. While Lana portrayed herself as a rock-n-roll goddess with a gritty voice and body to match, her father displayed an Ivy league lifestyle, complete with golf games and civil service to boost his credibility in the society pages.

The opening chapter left no doubt that this book was an in-your-face type of novel. Those first pages laid the foundation of Nob's inner circle and launched the struggling writer's investigation. Even with so many different characters to juggle, the structure of the book allowed the author to reveal the various twists and secrets at a steady pace and without losing my attention. Because the story was set in California, the author used the various landmarks in and around Los Angeles and its weather to both enhance the story and create situations that often showed Nob in a world of trouble.

Overall, this story was a wild ride from beginning to end. From ballsy characters to action-packed scenes, there seemed to be something for everyone in the novel. I found it entertaining because of the outlandish nature of the characters and the heartbreaking idea that someone could hurt their family so much that death was the only option. The murder of Lana Strain wasn't the only crime on tap to solve. As Nob delved further into his investigation, several more crimes floated to the top of the pile. Each had their time in the spotlight, but the focus remained on Lana. While there were the usual twists scattered throughout the novel, I felt happy when I didn't guess everything that was going to happen. If you like brash, in-your-face characters or multi-level mysteries, then I definitely recommend this book for your reading list.

Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck is currently available at various online retailers in either paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. Click the link below to order from the book's page at Amazon.
Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

Release Date: April 16, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Jasper Dent series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jasper Dent and the people of Lob's Nod spent months recovering from an attack by a serial killer known as the Impressionist. Thanks to Jasper's unique status as being the only son of Billy Dent, one of the most notorious serial killers in his own right, the town was saved with only a few casualties along the way. The aftermath left Jasper reeling as information about his past, as well as his father, found ways to slip out of their cages.

When a new, vicious killer began stalking the streets of New York, Jasper was called in to help with the search. Although he hoped to escape the clutches of his father's legacy, what he found in the latest case only confirmed how far-reaching Billy's influence truly was. Jasper was now in a race to solve the New York case, but to figure out the strange clues to his past before something bad happened to him or those he loved the most.

Review:
I found this book on NetGalley shortly after finishing the author's first book in the series. I was interested in what happened in Jasper's world since the events of the previous book, so I requested the book. Needless to say, there was quite a lot that going on for many within Jasper's circle of friends and not just to Jasper alone. This book didn't start immediately after the conclusion of I Hunt Killers, but some months after all hell broke loose in the little town of Lob's Nod.

The main trio of teenagers were once again in the middle of the action as a serial killer in New York baffled the police and FBI alike. As a last resort, one of the detectives made his case for Jasper's help in stopping the guy before a state-wide panic ensued. While the previous focused more on Jasper, his background and how the other people around town interacted with him, this book split the main focus on several of the players. Of course, we were shown more insights into the way Jasper navigated the world, but the author also presented more of Connie's home life and way of thinking and Howie's deep devotion to Jasper. Other characters introduced in this book include more of Jasper's strange family, law enforcement officials who were affected by Billy's crimes, and an ever-widening circle of killers who all seem to be linked.

After the book began with a pair of gruesome  murders and introduced the reader to whatever game was being played as well as the unknown players. The level of brutality and a strange level of creativity grew as the book continued. Even things taking place in Jasper's town seemed to be a beehive of activity that only settled down as the crimes elsewhere picked up. As the leads were followed and the case drew to a close, there was a sense that everything happened at a fever pitch until that final reveal. Conflict upon conflict upon conflict drove the story forward as everyone battled something whether it was an inner war or battling with someone else. There were a few moments where I couldn't believe the character made that particular decision. (Now, you know that I don't give spoilers if I can help it! Go read the book!)

In all honesty, this book was a really entertaining read for me. Even though I knew from the get-go that the killers were playing some sort of game, I didn't put it all together which game they were playing before Jasper did. Man, it was a bit of a shock when I did. That twist put a smile on my face because once it was out, you could flip back to the beginning and see it. What happened to the other characters and the other revelations the book offered really made me wonder how the end was going to answer all the questions from this book and the previous one. The ending both frustrated me and had me wanting to know where it was going. If you're looking for a special kind of twisted way of thinking mixed with the worries and problems that fill a teen boy's mind, then you need to pick up a copy of this book.

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores in either hardcover or digital versions including Kindle. Clicking the link below will open the book's Amazon page.
Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Series: Jasper Dent series, Book I

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jasper "Jazz" Dent was an unwilling celebrity in his small hometown of Lobo's Nod when the law discovered his father was the worst serial killer in history. With his father convicted and behind bars, Jasper spent the last four years trying to live a "normal" teenage life while living with his grandmother. His two closest friends, Connie and Howie, kept him ground when the dark thoughts threatened to overtake him.

When bodies began piling up in the small town for a second time, Jasper couldn't shake the feeling that his special knowledge was important to the investigation. If he didn't help, more people would die and the blood would be on his hands. What he didn't know was how far the killer would go to protect his work. Can Jasper find the killer without giving in to the dark desires? Will he be able to survive at all?

Review:
A late-night scouring of the available titles at NetGalley led me to requesting this title by Barry Lyga. Intrigued from the beginning, I was glad to discover that this book didn't disappoint. I often wondered what became of the children born to those so evil. This book took one of the paths available and explored as many nooks and crannies as possible. From the beginning, it was apparent how special of a kid Jasper truly was. I do mean special in a weird and intriguing way.

Most of the book was centered around Jasper and his attempts to find his place within the small, backwoods town that he called home. Being a teenager was hard under the most normal of circumstances, but when you were the son of a famous serial killer, life was unbearable. The only bright spots in his life were his girlfriend, Connie, and his best friend, Howie. They kept him centered when the lessons his father taught him threatened to push him over the edge. While dealing with all this, a gnawing feeling that a second serial killer at work in their town kept him awake at night and in trouble with the local sheriff.

Right away the conflict within Jasper and with the world around him permeated the story. It was a bit odd to start reading and see a teen with night-scope binoculars watching police investigate a body found in the middle of a farm field. There wasn't much of a change in pace as it was full on from the first chapter. Each interaction between the characters dropped tidbits of information that kept me turning the pages. Not only did this book explore the theory of nature versus nurture in relation to Jasper going up to be a serial killer or not, the entire story explored the meaning of family and whether being bond by blood was the only acceptable definition of family. Now, I don't give spoilers in my reviews if I can help it, but what happened at the end of the book threw everything on its head.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a refreshing twist on the serial killer genre and put a spotlight on the part of a serial killer's life that's often fallen by the wayside - the family. I liked how honest Jasper was with himself about the desires and remorse that he felt and the lengths he went to in order to stay grounded. It was admirable to see him face down his inner demons and use his knowledge to help instead of destroy. I'm anxious to see how future books play out and whether Jasper is ever tempted to take that one little step into the darkside. If you love a twisting, turning, strangely enduring and unique type of serial killer story, I would definitely put this book on your TBR list!

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga is currently available at many retailers in various formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital including Kindle. The link provided below leads to the book's Amazon page.
I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark

Release Date:  July 8, 2014
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Series: Rachel Knight series, Book #4

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After a devastating school shooting in the style of Columbine, Rachel Knight is put on the case alongside Detective Bailey Keller to find the answers to some of the hardest questions they've had to face to date. Digging deeper into the reasons behind the shooting reveal that the concrete evidence they'd collected wasn't so concrete after all. Now, both Knight and Keller are on the hunt to find the person or persons responsible before it's too late.

As they weave their way around the trails that the evidence takes them, they find more questions than answers until the second shooting takes place. Everything they knew about the perpetrators was turned upside down. Now, Rachel must continue to find a way to stop the next shooting any way she can. Will she able to shift out the puzzle pieces that don't fit in time to save the next group of people?

Review:
After reading the first three books in the Rachel Knight series offered by NetGalley, I looked forward to reading this one as well and offering an honest review. Truth be told, each of the books covered a difficult case, but I felt this offering by the author was by far the most "ripped from the headlines" in the series. As with the other three books, this one incorporated information from the previous cases where needed without disrupting the current plot. Having a few familiar faces resurface in a few key areas not only helped to move the story along in a believable fashion, but made me smile a time or two at the hijinks they planned or enacted.

The novel is written from Rachel's point-of-view as it was with the previous three offerings by the author. Many of the key players from the previous cases return, bringing their expertise with them. Graden, Bailey and Dorian made themselves known from the start because of the severity of the case. Being a part of the Special Trials Unit and dating one of the brass in law enforcement did have a few perks for Rachel to enjoy, but it also meant that she endured some of the most devastating of cases - a school shooting. Not all of Rachel's core group had a major part in this book, but they were able to contribute their ideas here and there whenever there was a meeting of the minds, so to speak. Toni, another lawyer within Rachel's unit and best friend, didn't have as much of an impact within this story other than to offer an outsider's opinion. Because of the nature of the shooting, a pair of psychologists were thrown into the mix of experts and offered their insights into the dark mind of the shooter.

The book started off slow and focused on a few of the kids that would be attending Fairmont High School. Once they were in place at the school, the mood quickly darkened. Once the police were on scene, the pace ramped up and stayed at a high level as the characters raced against time to stop the next shooting from happening. Unfortunately, the persons responsible were quite a few steps ahead of Rachel and the investigative teams. When they thought they had a handle on the situation or a good clue that might bring an end to the terror, something or someone would reveal how far off-base they were. For a good portion of the book, I thought I had things figured out. I could see how they came to their conclusions and were just as confused when other revelations came to light.

Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed the story for its thrilling and mysterious atmosphere, the subject matter made it difficult to ignore the voice inside saying it hit a little close to home. It was interesting to see the focus placed more on the 'how to detect' angle instead of glorifying the shooter or the shootings itself. Many theories were thrown around, each credible in their own way, but there wasn't a simple explanation to sweep the devastation under a rug. When it came to the end, I hoped for a moment of clarity for the responsible party. I'm not sure if it ever truly came to pass. The thrill of the hunt combined with the overwhelming emotions the case brought on made for a wild ride all over L.A. and into Colorado. If you're looking for a story that will grab at your heartstrings and tug at them until the last possible moment, then this book is one you need to read.

The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark is currently available for purchase at many retailers, both online and local bookstores. It can be found in hardcover, paperback or digital editions including Kindle. The link provided below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark

Killer Ambition (Rachel Knight #3) by Marcia Clark

Release Date: June 18, 2013
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Series: Rachel Knight series, Book 3

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Hayley Antonovich, teenage daughter of a famed and beloved director, went missing, D.D.A Rachel Knight knew the case would be tough. But this time, the case wouldn't just push her to the limits of her abilities, it tested everyone in L.A.'s Special Trials Unit and the LAPD. Each lead forced Rachel down a different avenue, bringing out revelations that were darker than the one before it.

In the midst of their investigation, grim reality revealed that they weren't dealing with a simple kidnap and ransom. Now it was murder. Trials within Hollywood were always messy, but this one was Rachel's messiest by far. Would she be able to see that justice was served? Will she be forced to admit defeat before the opening gavel?

Review:
To celebrate the release of Marcia Clark's fourth book in the Rachel Knight series, NetGalley offered all of the books for reading. Killer Ambition is the third book in the series in which Rachel Knight is the Deputy District Attorney who worked in the Special Trials Unit in Los Angeles. This story was much longer than the previous two books, but the extra pages were necessary to relay the complete story to the reader. With so many players involved in this case, whether on Rachel's side or against her, I was glad to see that the author included a little bit of "refresher" information whenever reintroducing a past character.

Nearly everyone we've met in the previous books made some sort of appearance in this particular book. With it being the biggest case of Rachel's career to-date, it was easy to see why everyone was included. There were some fresh, new faces introduced into the mix as well. It will be interesting to see how Rachel sweeps them off their feet and into her side pocket for later contact. Much of the focus in this book was split between Rachel and the family of the missing teen for the first part of the novel. For me it was easy to see how well the characters related to one another because I've read the books almost back to back. However, the characters came alive on their own enough to allow this book to be read on its own.

The story had a rocky start, both in terms of the actual events and the pacing. However, it quickly righted itself and began a steady climb, building suspense as the pacing rose. There weren't a lot of action scenes outside of the courtroom in this book. All the fireworks were seen inside the legal arena as Rachel led the prosecution team against the suspect. Since it was a high profile case, she was under a lot of scrutiny before the actual trial began. It was interesting to get a glimpse inside the mind of a prosecutor all the while not knowing exactly how the scene was going to play out in terms of the plot.

In my opinion, this book was a really good read. Not because it was an over-the-top production, but because the author played to her strengths. Sometimes when I read these types of books, I can guess where and how it will end. While reading this one, I wasn't sure because just when there was break, something pulled that victory a little further away. Was I happy with the ending? Yes and no. I know that Hollywood has a brand of justice in and of itself, but I couldn't help feeling like something slipped through the cracks. Overall, it was a good read and one that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys crime dramas or legal thrillers.

Killer Ambition (Rachel Knight #3) by Marcia Clark can be purchased at many online retailers and wherever books are sold locally. They are currently available in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle versions. Click the link provided below to visit the Amazon page for this title.
Killer Ambition (Rachel Knight #3) by Marcia Clark

Guilt by Degrees (Rachel Knight #2) by Marica Clark

Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Series: Rachel Knight series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
L.A. prosecutor by day and investigator by night, Rachel Knight saw a number of high profile cases over the years as a part of the Special Trials Unit. When the case of a murdered homeless man nearly slipped through the cracks of the system, Rachel's fury prompted her to pick up the case. What began as a fruitless search for a killer turned into something more dangerous than she anticipated.

With her trusted circle at her side, Rachel continued to pursue the truth despite the warnings to back away from the case. She was up against a ruthless opponent who knew how to dig for dirt just as deeply as she did. Faced with danger at every turn, can she survive to bring the man's killer to justice?


Review:
Guilt by Degrees by Marcia Clark was the second book in her Rachel Knight series to be offered at NetGalley for review. In my opinion, this book seemed more like the first in a series than the original first book did. Maybe the first one was too cut-and-dry. Maybe she worked on her writing in the interim between the two books. Either way, I have to admit that this book was an improvement over the first novel.

As with the first book, the main character was Rachel Knight. She's a feisty D.A. who has her own way of doing things that weren't always by the book or without pain. Also returning for this book were her core group of friends and colleagues - Toni, co-worker in the Special Trials Unit; Baily, detective and sometimes bodyguard; Graden, newly-found love interest; and Drew, hot bartender at the hotel where Rachel lived. New characters were introduced throughout the book as well as more of Rachel's history. It seemed as though the characters had more personality and were more real in this book than the previous one because of how closely they interacted with one another. That made for a smoother ride through the story's landscape.

Much of the story followed the investigation of one case which we see in the beginning of the book. In what is fast becoming Rachel's style, it quickly became apparent that the first case was tied to one case, if not more, that led the group into a dangerous predicament. The pacing of the story was pretty steady from beginning to end, due in large part to the many sneak attacks that occur throughout the investigation. They really did leave me wondering if the particular targets were going to make it through unscathed or wind up in the morgue themselves. Action, both in the courtroom and outside the office, helped move the story along as well as reveal certain plot points instead of being mindless filler.

Because this book was such an improvement over the first one, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I was pleasantly surprised by how well events of the first book were acknowledged without overwhelming the current story. Some of the old questions were answered but were soon replaced with new ones after some of Rachel's background was finally revealed. I'm actually a little excited to read the next book in order to find out more about Rachel and her new and equally obsessive opponent. Though it is the second in a series, the story did well enough to stand on its own. You can definitely enjoy it without reading the first book. If you are a crime thriller lover or just want a wild ride through the streets of L.A. alongside a tough-as-nails prosecutor, take a gamble on this book. It's worth a shot!

Guilt by Degrees (Rachel Knight #2) by Marcia Clark is now available at your local bookstores and online retailers in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle formats. Click the link below to see the book's page at Amazon and pick up your copy today!
Guilt by Degrees (Rachel Knight #2) by Marcia Clark

Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1) by Marcia Clark

Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Series: Rachel Knight, Book 1

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Not only did Rachel Knight call Los Angeles home, but she worked her way up the chain in the D.A.'s office until she became part of the special unit assigned to try high profile cases. She and her colleagues compared notes, critiqued arguments for one another, and shared both wins and losses. Nothing she encountered could have prepared her for the shocking death of someone so close to her.

Rachel found herself buried under an extra heavy caseload while secretly investigating a case that could end her career. Each discovery drew her deeper into a world of drugs, gangs and danger, but it's a price she'd pay to find the truth. Will she be able to solve both cases before it's too late? Will she still have her job - and her life - at the end?

Review:
This book was offered for a limited time at NetGalley and was the first work of fiction published by Marcia Clark, a prominent attorney in Los Angeles that has handled some high profile cases as well. Within its pages was a fiesty prosecutor named Rachel Knight who found herself mixed up in a whole lot of trouble after a colleague wound up dead. Not one to go by the book unless forced, Rachel pursued her case while secretly trying to find answers about her friend and his life. After everything that Marcia Clark's seen and heard during her time in the D.A.'s office, it didn't surprise me to see the characters and settings in her book.

Much of the action revolved around Rachel and her search for the truth in more than one case and was told from her point of view. There was definitely a core group of people who rotated in and out of the picture, each with their own quirks. Because the story was set in Los Angeles, I wasn't surprised to see familiar names and places within the story. I also wasn't surprised to see time and attention given to what clothes Rachel and others were wearing or the constant dieting that was thrown into the mix. The book delivered on those assumptions, if I'm honest. That's not to say that the characters were one-dimensional at all. There was a bit of depth to each one. With this being the first of a series, it provided a good amount of groundwork for whatever comes next.

I did have to fight to finish this book in a few spots. The pace began steadily and maintained its movement until I was nearly a third of the way into the story. For whatever reason, I felt the story slow and struggle to pick back up. Once it did, the action and revelations began to help push it along until it hit another slow patch for me. I was happy to find that the book did end on a high note in terms of pacing and storytelling. Honestly, I'm not sure if it was the many layers of the case that threw me off or if it was simply a lull in action that made it seem slow. Maybe it was the lack of drama in the courtroom that threw me off. At times it seemed like Rachel was more of a cop than your typical image of a prosecutor.

All in all, the story was complete, engaging in many areas and giving a glimpse of the other side of Los Angeles. Not a bad offering at all for her first book, I am hopeful for the others in this series which will be coming up over the next few weeks. There's a lot of layers in this book but it does reward those who stick with it to the end. I am glad to have taken a chance on this one. If you're looking for a different type of prosecutor that's tough as nails or someone who doesn't just go with the flow of the system, then Rachel Knight is your kind of prosecutor. Pick up your copy and enjoy her sassyness!

Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1) by Marcia Clark is currently available at many local and online retailers. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle versions. The link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1) by Marcia Clark

Cold Mourning: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman

Release Date: March 1, 2014
Publisher: Dundurn
Series: Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery, Book I

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Kala Stonechild accepted the new position within the specialized Ottawa crime unit because she needed a change of pace from her life up north. Besides being the new recruit, she was the only woman and aboriginal on the force, drawing snickers and hushed remarks along the way. Determined to prove her worth, she buckled down when the unit was handed a murder case involving one of the city's rich and more prominent businessmen.

Her boss, Jacques Rouleau has his own personal struggles that he pushed to the side in order to keep the unit running as long as he can. With Stonechild's help, the cases on their docket took an interesting turn and left them with more questions than answers. Will they be able to pinpoint the killer before it's too late?

Review:
I was granted permission to read a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a honest, fair review. The book began with a terrifying image, a parent's worst nightmare. I thought for a moment that I was reading the wrong book, but forced myself to keep going. That preliminary chapter, though horrible, played a role later in the story and was actually a really interesting plot twist to the entire story.

As a reader, I rode along with Kala Stonechild as she made her transition from working in a small time police department in Northern Canada to the faster-paced, larger Ottawa police department. Not everyone in the unit is as welcoming as one would expect, but it became clear that their small unit was much like a family in many ways. I enjoyed how the author allowed us to peek into the characters' lives without dumping a lot of information on us all at once. I believe that helped me to empathize with a couple of the characters and the massively hard decisions they were forced to make.

There was plenty of action throughout the entire novel. From the first page, the pace was steady. Time was given to allow the reader to absorb all the details and small clues sprinkled throughout the pages, but there were so many possibilities. Even I had trouble trying to pinpoint exactly who I thought was the killer because there were always two people who fit at any one time - even after new details emerged! In the end I was only half right about the ending. Truthfully, it was a little refreshing not to have it all figured out by the middle of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The many suspects, the layers of secrets and the other cases being investigated at the same time made for a quick, entertaining and engaging read. I'm glad to see that this is set as the first book of a possible series. I'd love to see what else Stonechild and Rouleau get themselves into. If you're looking for a book to keep you up late into the night as you try to weave through the webs of lies, deceits and betrayals of the rich, this is the book to help you along the way.

Cold Mourning: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman is currently available at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle formats. You can order a copy from Amazon by clicking the link provided below.
Cold Mourning: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman

Joe Victim: A Thriller by Paul Cleave

Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Joe Middleton had the best weekend until he went home to feed his fish. Then his life took a horrible turn. First, he was shot. Then people began accusing him of murders he knew nothing about. Once he landed in jail, his troubles continued as both people inside and outside wanted him dead.

Along the way, former detective, Carl Schroder, made it his mission to make sure Joe never leave jail unless it was in a body bag. No longer working for the force, he found work with a local television show, The Cleaner. A way to merely pay the bills, the job brought him full circle to cross paths with Joe once more.

Review:
I bought this book shortly after reading Cemetery Lake. At the time, I didn't know there were a few books to read before this one. Even though each of the author's books are interconnected, they each stand alone in a brilliant way. Events from the previous books are given throughout the current one but it's only enough to explain something and wet your appetite for the previous titles. I really wish I could own all of them to read them in order. One day I will but for now, I'm glad I read Joe Victim.

Many of the characters are ones that were introduced throughout the other books and yet, they're given a sort of second introduction as they come into play. Previous crimes were referenced and explained when necessary. Even without reading the other books, there was plenty of murder, mayhem, emotion and vengeance in this book to satisfy any and all thriller/mystery needs. I truly loved how every one of the characters were human. They were both parts good and evil - though some were more evil than good. It made them seem real, almost making the book seem like a tv show or movie instead of a book.

The action started out strong and almost kept steady throughout the entire book. I felt there were a few places were the pacing lulled and for me, it was understandable given what was occurring in that particular part of the book. Since the book was written from the point-of-view of several characters, I was privy to information that some of the other characters weren't. Many times I wanted to shake some sense in a few, smack a couple of others and shield some when necessary. Of course, that's a sign of a good book - when the reader becomes invested within a book to the point that they experience the highs and lows alongside the character.

A lot answers were weaved throughout the story. Some were hidden and I had to go back in order to find them. Many were thrown at me with little time to absorb them before the next turn of events. It was definitely a book filled with highs and lows. I was shocked to find a few things out and felt happy at others. Just when I thought I knew how it was going to end, a last minute curve ball knocked everything out of place. I don't know if this is the end of Joe and Christchurch, but oh man, I can't wait for the next book to find out! If you're looking for a thrill ride of a crime spree mixed with a bit of love and darkness, check this book (or any of Cleave's books) out.

Joe Victim: A Thriller by Paul Cleave is currently available in both Kindle and paperback formats. To purchase a copy from Amazon, please click the link provided below.
Joe Victime: A Thriller by Paul Cleave

In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood

Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After being quiet for nearly five years, a killer is once again hunting victims during Alaska's summer. It's a time when midnight looks like one in the afternoon, giving the killer plenty of time to do his work. But this time, he's looking to do a whole lot more than increase the body count.

FBI agent Jess Harding worked the case in Alaska when it was first discovered. When the case became too dangerous, she was taken off the case and sent to San Francisco where she honed her skills and intuition. Now called back to Alaska, Jess must put all her skills to use in order to catch this killer before it's too late. Will she discover the answers in time? Can she keep the case from overwhelming her once again?

Review:
I do love crime thrillers so entering a Goodreads giveaway for this book was a no-brainer for me. I was very pleased to receive a copy. To be honest I was a little surprised that a male author was writing in the first person perspective of a female agent. After a slow start, the surprise wore off, the action ramped up and I was completely immersed into the story. Part of me was glad that the chapters were to-the-point kind of chapters because I'd have to make myself stop at the end of a chapter. If I didn't, I would have read through the night.

The novel begins with the main character, Jess, being summoned to Alaska to help with an old, familiar case that she worked on as a rookie field agent. Right from the start, Jess is out to prove that she's no longer the green, wet-behind-the-ears new kid and that her instincts about the person behind the gruesome killings are valuable despite the rumblings from the "old boys" club. Because the book is set in the present time period, it seemed as though everything could really be happening. For me, it all added up to the story feeling very real and that's a scary thought when it comes to serial killers.

As realistic as I found the characters and their reactions to situations to be, the locations within the book played a big role in the storyline as well. The culture, customs and traditions of the inhabitants in various areas of Alaska both helped and hindered the investigation. The same case could be made for the events that happened within San Fransisco as well. The author presents vivid descriptions of the surrounding areas that the reader can nearly feel the cold of the Alaskan wilderness or hear the bustle of a San Fransiscan street.

There is a slow build to the action but once the ball gets rolling, there is no stopping. The reader is fed the clues at the same pace in which Jess finds them, so we're following her instincts in real time. Her realizations and frustrations become ours, adding to the tension building within the story. Only one thing frustrated me out of the entire book and that is whatever Jess is hiding about her connection with the killer. The door is left open for the author to explore (and I hope he does) and definitely leaves the reader wanting more.

Overall, this book was an excellent and exciting way to spend a few evenings. Most times I didn't want to put the book down. If I had been able, I would have devoured this book in one sitting as the action takes the story along a decently steady pace. There are plenty of twists and turns one would expect from the thriller genre but the story has its own flavor with its strong, resilient heroine in Jess Harding. If you're looking for a book full of action, adventure and travels all while battling a strange, demented serial killer, then this is the book for you.

In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood is available in either paperback or Kindle forms at many online retailers. By clicking the link below, you can pick up a copy from Amazon.
In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood

Cemetery Lake: A Thriller by Paul Cleave

Release Date: June 2013 (first published in 2008)
Publisher: Atria Books

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Theodore Tate's world turned upside two years earlier, sending him into a downward spiral that hadn't stopped. No longer a cop in Christchurch, he's become a private investigator to capitalize on his skills to maintain his facade of being a reputable citizen. On the day he's set to witness a routine exhumation of his client's father, the gates of hell appear to open and unleash the secrets within the cemetery lake's serene surface.

Unable to leave things alone, Tate pursues the series of odd events until the path brings him full circle to face the demons he's been running from the entire time. Tate and the few friends that he has left on the force must hurry to catch those responsible for the evil being done in Christchurch. But will they be too late to save more innocent women? Will Tate be able to save himself?

Review:
One of the things I love about winning books through the giveaways at Goodreads.com is the ability to find authors that I may never have known about otherwise. I'll be honest. I wasn't familiar with any of Paul Cleave's work but that will definitely change. Cemetery Lake is one of those books that pulls the rug out from under you time and time again. As you read and feel you have things figured out, there goes the rug and everything you thought you knew with it.

The main goal of any author is to suck you into a book so deeply that you find it hard to leave. I'd have to say that Cemetery Lake is very effective in this department. The descriptions, the actions and the characters all provide the reader with plenty of reasons to become lost within the covers. Being set in Christchurch also allows the reader to experience an unknown, yet familiar land and brings its own flavor to the story. Also, I liked how the weather played a key role in the story as well. It was as if the weather was a main character alongside Tate.

I think Theodore Tate has to be one of the most messed up characters that I have read in a long time. The fact that he has any luck at all despite the number of times he screwed up makes him all the more believable to me. I can't believe some of the things he gets himself into all because he's too stubborn to let things alone. The other characters' interactions with Tate are pretty realistic and the number of those believing in him dwindles as the novel progresses akin to how life works in reality.

The pacing of the story is constant from the first chapter. Though there are a few time jumps to move the story along, the action taking places does a great job of keeping the reader invested. At different times, I thought the action had peaked, only to see it climbing once again as another series of events leads to another bombshell. One thing after another happens until you think that there couldn't possibly be anything else. Then the twist gets you.

Overall, I really liked this book. My emotions were all over the place as I read it. From being disgusted to sympathizing to wanting to give the guy a Gibbs smack, I was strapped in and willing to go along for the ride. I look forward to picking up some of Paul Cleave's other books as soon as I can. If you're looking for a suspenseful, crime-filled book that will keep you guessing until that last chapter, you need to take a chance on this book.

Cemetery Lake: A Thriller by Paul Cleave is currently available for purchase in both paperback and Kindle forms. You can pick up a copy at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Cemetery Lake: A Thriller by Paul Cleave

Cemetery Girl by David J. Bell

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
For the past four years, Tom and Abby Stuart were living in a nightmare that no parent ever wants to experience - the disappearance of their only child, Caitlin. Tom maintained the hope that he would one day see his daughter alive. Meanwhile, Abby devoted herself to her church and began to move on with her life. As their marriage falls apart, all the bottle emotions come to a head on the day that Abby followed through with her plan for a memorial and headstone to be laid for their daughter. Within days of the memorial, new facts come to light and bring into question everything that either of the parents ever knew of their family.

Review:
This book was recommended to me by a very close friend of mine who thought I would enjoy it. I must admit, her thinking was spot on. Once I began to get into the story, I had a hard time putting the book down. It was a thrill-packed ride from start to finish. The book definitely didn't end the way that I had anticipated and I think that made it more enjoyable. The characters were clearly defined and their dialogue reaffirmed the differences. Some of the characters were quite shady yet had some redeeming qualities that made you wonder if they were truly capable of some of the things occurring in the book.

Although the book had a standard plot centering around a missing young girl and the family's struggle with issues, it was set apart from the usual books by the fact it was written from the father's point of view. We see his struggle with the facts that she may never be coming back, his wife has moved on and everything around him is crumbling. While I think some of the character's actions were a bit overboard, who really knows what a person would do when put in the same situation with the immense amount of pressure on their shoulders? The only drawback of the entire book was that I wanted a bit more in the ending. It seemed so much shorter than the rest of the story but many of the questions brought up in the book were answered by the last page. It still left me wondering about how deeply some of the characters were involved in the poor girl's disappearance and what happened to her throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a quickly paced, intense thriller to keep you company through a long night.

Cemetery Girl by David J. Bell is published by NAL/Penguin publishers and was originally released in October 2011. The book is available at many major retailers in hardback, paperback and Kindle form. It can be purchased from Amazon in any form at the link below.
Cemetery Girl by David J. Bell

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
As the lone survivor of the night when most of her family had been murdered and her brother convicted of the crime, Libby Day grew up feeling as though something bad lived insider of her that was as real as any of her organs. The feeling of "being bad" consumed her, creating her own world where she needed nothing or no one normal. She stayed isolated from the real world until she was forced to find a way to support herself financially. In a bid to capitalize on the uniqueness of her situation, Libby decides to charge those interested in her family's turbulent history and strikes out on her sort of investigation. She follows where the leads take her until she reaches what could very well be her own "dead" end.

Review:
It took me a few chapters to catch onto how the story was being told. Once I found my groove, the story took hold of me and I was pulled along for the ride. The story is told by the point of view of several characters including the main character, Libby, and various other family members. Each chapter begins by naming the POV character, date and time in which the chapter took place. That bit of information made it easier to keep track of where I was taken in the story.

Overall, I loved how the story kept me guessing up to nearly the very end. There was plenty of evidence to convict any number of suspects put forth in the story but the ending wasn't exactly what I had pictured. As each layer of the investigation was examined, a new set of questions would spring up and lead the reader in an entirely different direction. I was also impressed by the author's ability to capture the essence of the "Satanic panic" that took place within the late 1980's. Being a child during that time period, I remember being instructed on what to watch for very well. If you like mysteries with several twists and turns to keep you guessing, this is definitely a book for you.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is available at many major retailers in hardback, paperback and Kindle forms. It can be purchased through Amazon.com at the link listed below.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn